By DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 9-11, 2014) — First, allow us a few brief comments on the inaugural edition of PLANET VALENTI TV. We had fun. Yes, some spots were ragged around the edges and we had some of the usual first-show technical issues, but nothing outrageous. In fact, on PV-TV, we aim to demolish “the fourth wall.” We therefore need not hide the fact that none of this is “real.” That’s why they call it a “show.”

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If you didn’t see it live, watch it either on re-run or on your computer. The reruns today will be on Ch. 16 at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. On your computer, go to www.pittsfieldcommunitytv.org. There, hit the “Show Search” link. When the search window comes up, type in “Planet Valenti TV” for the show. If you want to watch back shows I’ve done at PC-TV (guesting on other shows) type in “Dan Valenti.”

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Most of all, we had fun. THE PLANET thanks Dave Bubriski for wearing the dual cap of producer-director; Matt Tucker of PCTV for yeoman’s work at technical director and engineer; Bill Sturgeon for handling the phones and sound; Bill’s wife, the lovely Polish Princess, for helping dress the set (we needed a woman’s touch); Terry Kinnas for brain power, feedback, and moral support; and the great job done by our cameramen, Ron Kitterman, Steve Nikitas, and Peter Risatti. A great job was turned in by all.

Given that it was the first time out, we received a healthy number of phone calls. Of course, we worked phones in between our monologues and our satiric interview with TES: The Empty Suit. That segment alone will be worth the viewing. As we suspected and expected, the mayor had his stooges call in to try to throw us off our game. The first caller even sounded suspiciously like the mayor’s wife, who insisted he was in Boston. TES proved her “wrong.”

Uh, we quote Paul Newman in The Hustler: “We don’t rattle, kid.” In fact, we loved it, because it gave us a chance to show who’s boss on THE PLANET. It’s us.

Already, a change in schedule, a good one, actually. After being told May 15 was not available for the time slot, PV-TV learned otherwise today. Thus, our next show will be Thursday the 15th at 7 p.m., taking your phone calls 413-445-4234 and performing the unexpected — PLANET VALENTI Television, Access Pittsfield, Channel 16.

Already, we’ve got “the buzz” going.

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School Department Gives us a “Book” but Not a Budget; Taxpayers, Get Ready to Assume ‘The Position’

A show of hands, please: How many of you have gone online to the Pittsfield School Department website to read the school budget? THE PLANET hopes no hands have gone up, because the PSD hasn’t cared to share its proposed budget online. You would have wasted your time. This is, after all, the Amazing Transparent Administration. How do we know that? That’s what Dan Bianchi campaigned upon in 2011.

Now, how many of you have gone online to the same place to read the 2015 budget book? Yes, we said the “budget book.” It’s not the actual budget. Rather, it’s 107 pages of interesting data that requires some no small amount of wading through, muck boots optional. Actually, there’s much useful info there.

So how many read the budget book?

Be honest.

Fear not, though, for THE PLANET presents this digest.

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The first item that catches one’s interest is the cover letter of Supt. Jake “JIV” McCandless. After the usual gobbledygook and whoppers about how “deeply committed,” “[hard] working,” and “sensitive and responsive to the larger needs of the City of Pittsfield and its citizens” the school department is, Jake (won’t we ever get a super who isn’t named Jake?) then says something troubling:

He admits to presenting a “short” book “that may appear data-poor.”

These are the superintendent’s words, not ours — an admission right off the bat that you’re going to get a snow job.

Ah, but then he adds this bromide, which he hopes will tranquilize the concerned reader, that is, one that expected a “data-rich” presentation. He claims the book “is in fact information rich. While the book is shorter and takes up less space on the shelf, this presentation allows for easier access to the public and to the policy makers that adopt the budget. The most crucial data remains — that which was simply there without much context or meaning has been removed.”

Whenever The Suits admit to being selective about “data,” hand on to your wallet with both claws.

Here are some bullet points of the most interesting “information” (remember that Jake distinguishes between “data” and “information):

In the early pages that summarize revenue, the FY15 budget includes no FY15 figures. It only goes up to FY14. Amazing.

The FY10 to FY14 revenues (that is, taxpayer supplied tribute, not departmental income) showed a budget increase of 17%. Taxpayers faced increases every one of those years. The same shall be true in FY15.

As for “Bus Fleet Renewal,” Jake tells us “exact figure to be determined.” Well, at least he’s honest. Unbelievable. Even when they presented figures, they hid the overall actual costs, which will be in the neighborhood of $20 million to $25 million for the next five years.

We learn that the 2014 enrollment of the two high schools is 970 (PHS) plus 855 (THS) = 1,825. The Suits are clamoring for a new high school to service this population — even though there are far less than half the students than when the city only had PHS. Enrollment has dropped every year since 1982. This is Pittsfield, the Bog-only-knows-how-EXPEN$IVE new school isn’t needed, but it will provide lots of money to favored contractors while giving “The Children” a gleaming new academic mausoleum in which to place the dead body of local learning.

In 2004, 6,637 students were enrolled in the Pittsfield School District; 2,387 — 36% —received free or subsidized lunch. In 2013, there were 5,883 enrolled in the PSD with 3,276 receiving free lunches, or 57%. Today, that rate tops 60%. This is an indication of how poor the city has become. That is an indictment on every Suit, who year after year denies this fact and pretends that all is well.

Despite what they claim about class sizes being too large, most classes have fewer than 20 students.

On the financially ruinous and far-too-far distended Special Education program, Jake brags how the Special Ed category, which is expanding to include a ridiculous amount of students, is offered so students can “receive a free and appropriate education.” “Appropriate,” perhaps. “Free,” no way. Ask taxpayers if you don’t believe it. Nowhere does Jake break out the total cost of Special Ed. THE PLANET must assume that was some of the “data” he felt would be too cumbersome. We find later, on page 56, that it costs either $24,958.24 to educate a Special Ed student per year in school. When the Special Ed kid learns out of school, the cost jumps to $26,070.41.

The state provides 48% of the PSD budget. Pittsfield taxpayers cough up 44%. Federal grants amount to 7%. School Choice 1%. Distressingly, Jake lists the most recent year as FY13. Remember, this is the FY15 budget book. Nothing fishy going on there.

In discussing the Pittsfield taxpayers’ share of the budget, Jake implies that they aren’t being taxed enough. Why else would he point out that the city is “$8.5 million below the levy limit.” Let THE PLANET rebut: First, a levy limit of that amount is next-to-nothing compared to the total value of all property in the city (upon which the tax ceiling is based). That total-vlue figure as of 2012 was $3,573,632,100. This means that Pittsfield is taxing at least 99.998% of it limit! Second, it completely ignores the fact that Pittsfield is a poor community. There is no discretionary money. There is nowhere near the ability to pay increased taxes that you will find in so many other Massachusetts communities.

In what must be a slip-up, Jake admits the PSD runs two sets of books! (page 39). Check it out for yourself. Somehow, that got through the censor.

Nowhere under “Budget Assumptions” does Jake mention how the PSD lost $4.1 million via school choice. School choice, as are all of the spending and revenue accounts, are discussed verbally, with no FY15 numerals presented. He does include FY15 estimates of state aid. How generous. Only much later do we find school choice numbers. Pittsfield lost 12.5% of its students to school choice in 2013. He doesn’t list the 2014 figures. Jake acknowledges this “substantial — and growing — financial burden for the Pittsfield Public Schools and the City of Pittsfield” but he doesn’t discuss the reason so many parents are opting our of Pittsfield. Simply put, Pittsfield schools are not competitive.

Pittsfield spends more money per pupil than Greenfield, Malden, Taunton, and Westfield and about the same as Greenfield and New Bedford.

A “Glossary” at the back misses a few key terms, such as “Taxpayer, n., A group of disparate and dispiritedness people bound together by legalized theft of a malignant entity called “Government.” Here’s another not there: “Administrator, n., A person hired at a six-figure salary to break what is not broken and to make worse what is. And another: “The Children,” n., collective, a fictitious entity invented to perform as human shields and to justify the rape of Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski.” You get the idea. The “Glossary” contains a noticeable lack of verbs principally because the school department doesn’t do much except to get fat while the rest of the city starves.

The last word shall be one of supplication, that somehow, some way, the city council shall undergo a conversion or experience a miracle in the form of throwing the school budget back to the mayor with a simple three-word rejection: “Sharpen the Pencil.”

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“The sun shines. The moon it moves the tides to wash me clean.” — adapted from “The Bridge of Sighs” by Robin Trower.

61 Responses to “‘PV-TV’ OFF TO A ROARING START … SCHOOL BUDGET: A ‘BOOK’ BUT NO ‘BUDGET … JIV PROVIDES ‘INFORMATION,’ NOT ‘DATA’ … Hmmmm, COULD THIS BE AN EFFORT IN OPAQUE GOVERNMENT?”

I thought the inaugural show was pretty good. A few normal new show bugs. It will get better and there is so much potential for such a venture in this political climate.

I especially enjoyed the village idiot segment where the mayors team called in to demonstrate their intellectual prowess. It may be more fun to let them rant a bit occasionally just for stools and giggles.

Ron, thanks for the link. I guess this is what happens when up tight parents meet institutions who think they know better when it comes to raising our children. I think the authors suggestion that parents engage thier children with the books content is reasonable as it’s what I’d do. I think a healthy discussion can be accomplished with out dinner at a strip club after. It just goes to show it’s one extreme or another these days. I’d say both sides of the the debate are a little out of touch with reality. You can’t restrict the book outright as it would only create a deeper curiosity and your children may obtain the book from a fellow peer which doesn’t help anyone. We’re talking about young adults here after all correct? I may have an issue if we were talking about children under 15.

I saw the show too and liked it. It was a bit ragged but that was part of the fun. I found it interesting that the callers who seemed to be friends of the mayor didn’t say anything about positive accomplishments but focused Valenti’s hat and jacket.

Was the mayor actually on the show or was it literally an empty suit? They have to focus on Dans coat and hat because they have nothing else. Of course dan is no stranger to picking on looks and stereotypes so it serves him right. However I doubt he gives an f if people think his coat and hat look silly.

I have to say, I thought it was pretty disgusting how you implied you’d rather see a 17-year-old girl in a skirt rather than a grown woman. Do you realize how that sounds?

The appearance of female public figures, unless they show up stark naked to a meeting, has no standing in your “reporting” and it’s not at all relevant to the issues. You say you stand for the issues? Debatable, but try there. Stop insulting women.

You say you wanted to paint a picture of the scene? Come on. You wanted to insult them.

I have to disagree, A.S. Dan’s report was accurate and true. The consultant did dress inappropriately.

It’s funny, I had that same thought at the meeting. You’ll also notice when DV takes in an issue the remarks or comments on what someone’s wearing or how they speak or what the room looks like is like the topping in the Sundae. Its the smallest part, the rest is full of “the issues” and the facts and data about “the issues.

If you watch the TV show you have to be amazed by DVs command of the facts off the top of the head.

I have to disagree, A.S. Dan’s report was accurate and true. The consultant did dress inappropriately.

It’s funny, I had that same thought at the meeting. You’ll also notice when DV takes in an issue the remarks or comments on what someone’s wearing or how they speak or what the room looks like is like the topping in the Sundae. Its the smallest part, the rest is full of “the issues” and the facts and data about “the issues.

If you watch the TV show you have to be amazed by DVs command of the facts off the top of the head.

I disagree with AS. I don’t think Dan implied that he wanted to see a 17-year-old girl in a skirt. I believe what he was implying was that the presenter was not dressed appropriately for the meeting and her age. Being a woman in my 60s I know that I have dressed differently my entire life depending on my age and environment. One should not be wearing a short skirt at any age to a business meeting especially if you’re the presenter. Dan was right, maybe it will make her think twice before she gets dressed and walks out the door.

You got my implications precisely, B. The city-paid-and-bought-for hired gun should have at least had more sense of professional decorum for a presentation like that in a forum such an official meeting in council chambers.

I spoke with several friends today who had also watched your show and we all came up with the same conclusion. The scripted calls were a farce (they needed to be rehearsed more) and obviously came from the mayor’s camp. I am sure those voices were recognizable (did I detect a teenager).

Are they THAT afraid of you? I can’t wait to see what they have planned for your next show.

Just when I think I have heard it all……Mr. Lothrop was just on a radio talk show. When asked about the city raises being “retroactive”, he stated that it is done all the time for unionized city employees and therefore would not be “fair” if it wasn’t done for city managers and exempt employees.

Unfortunately, Mr. Lothrop does not represent private sector taxpayers. GOD FORBID THAT THEY GET RAISES LET ALONE BE RETROACTIVE!

Lothrup once again proves he is an enemy of the taxpayers. He does not represent the citizens but rather the special interests. The people in his ward need to dump his sorry ass for the good of the whole city.

Really, “it is done all the time”?. That is his logic for fleecing the taxpayers? That is just insulting. He really does believe we are all imbeciles. Time to take out the trash people.

Two wrongs do not make a right. It starts with the negotiation between unions and the city and they never seem to meet in the middle by the time limit they are given, it just drags on forever and ever and that’s why it has to be retroactive. I think it starts at the school department they just want and want. If they cannot come to a settlement within a reasonable time they should be given one week to do so, then it should go to mediation. There should never be a retroactive money given out. Settle it within a set time or go to mediation and put a set time limit for that. Should the teachers decide to quit or go on strike because they did not like the outcome of the mediation, let them; there are thousands of young people with teaching degrees who have not found teaching positions – replaced them, out with the old and in with the new start all over. It is the unions that have caused all our financial problems, they might have been needed 50 years or so but not anymore. And yes I was a former teacher.

Teachers even got a retroactive raise to include the time they were doing “work to rule”! It’s absurd, taxpayers have zero representation, it’s the same at the state and federal level, we are held hostage by government.

Wilson, great observation. Part of the problem is that the biggest voting block is probably employed by the city. It would be interesting to have accurate figures of just how many people the city employees, both city side and school side. When “THE G.E.” was here employing 15,000, “We the People” had a voice. It will be interesting to know if BMC, who pays no taxes to our city employs more people than our fair city. With no leadership in the corner office, but an empty suit, securing votes from city employees with these raises, in the next election, which will in turn increase his city pension, with 10 years served in a part time job as a city councilor, it will take “We the People” in an underground movement to be the impetus taking back our city. Some elected officials seem to forget that they are public servants, elected to do the will of the people. Too often their egos get the best of them and they become self-serving. “The G.E.” not only provided jobs independent from our government but also was the tax base that was the economic engine for a city that once was not only a leader in local economics but in world economics. Going from being an economic leader to a “black hole” is a sad commentary on the City of Pittsfield. Dan Bianchi, a finance guy, who many thought had a handle on our economic situation, is proving to be a great disappointment.

Excellent post Dowagerhat! The pols once elected do seem to forget who they work for and who gave them their job they were BEGGING for during the election cycle. As for the city workers being the largest voting bloc ,the pols cow tow to them knowing they are their ticket to remain in office.

Saw the show and LOVED it. Especially the segment with the empty suit. Funny. Funniest satire I think that’s ever been done on local TV. Can’t wait will next week. Congratulations on job well done.
As Ron K said, it can’t be easy but you made it look that way.

This city is in economic decline. This mayor rather than showing strong leadership, at a time when our city needs a leader that can bring this city forward behaves like a little boy and while admitting that he is working two jobs chooses to bring former mayors into the fray. Dan Valenti’s EMPTY SUIT is priceless. Time for a recall.

Time Warner pulled local channels, will be watching on web. Sounds like you got yourselves a formidable team. Thanks for shedding some light on the shovel turning, ribbion cutting, part time Mayor. Hopefully this is his last term.

It is very sad that about 3 out of 5 public school students in Pittsfield are poor and receive free lunch. What kind of future do these children face a decade or two from now? Will they be poor as adults and have another generation of poor children?
Pittsfield politics finances are unsustainable! You can’t raise taxes above the rate of inflation every single year over the long-term. Thousands of people have fled Pittsfield over the years because of high taxes. The only economic growth in Pittsfield has been in welfare caseloads. Pittsfield politics is ran by the Good Old Boy network. They take care of themselves at the expense of Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski. The GOB network mocks We the People with new leaders like Mayor Dan Bianchi who continue Pittsfield’s downward spiral and approaching the cliff (nilan).

Nice try, MR. You seem to be well versed with the Linden and Lincoln Street kind-of crowds. If you want to come on the show and sit for 10 minutes in the hot seat while I fire the questions, I shall likely grant the request. Let me know.

Dan, how many city employees have city vehicles to take home? Add that to the fact that Tim’s department uses fire trucks to go shopping with. What do all these benefits really cost? Sad to report another store is closing. One that helps our seniors and many others in the community. The bread outlet store on East St.

DV haven’t been on in a while but after the first TV show just had to. Yooda Man!!!!!!!! I liked the humor but also you made lot of serious point and got a lot of information out there. This is exactly what the city needs . A breath of life..hope…fresh air. PVTV is it.

On a more serious note, I read where the City’s personnel dept., ie; John DeAngelo, the Sheffield Shuffler is doing the Berkshireworks probe into the allegations against its executive director, Mr. Monterosso.
How can this investigation be objective and without conflict of interest ? DeAngelo’s boss TES, recruited them both and any negativity will reflect on him.
DeAngelo was a member of the de facto search committee for Monterosso’s position. He interviewed Monterosso, did his background search and recommended his hiring.
The results of any finding will in turn reflect on DeAngelo’s competence as well as the Mayor’s.
Additionally, Dan Collins, also a member of this search committee is pursuing legal remmedies stemming from Monterossso’s hiring and he too in a ironic twist obviously interviewed and recommended Monterosso.
What the hell gives ? There is something amiss in the Pittsfield Personnel Dept.
DV; loved the show, poignant and funny.

Great point, CJ. The Sheffield Shuffler is one of the least impressive bureaucrats we’ve ever met, encountered, or seen in action. It is preposterous to appoint him head of the “probe.” Prediction: In the end, no harm-no foul, leaving the poor employees at Berkshire Works to continue in their terrorized positions. Of course, in the end also, the truth sometimes has a way of willing out, especially if there’s an independent press digging.

Notice how the state voice in the BE said they “Knew Nothing!” of the allegations.. Did Tim Dooling forget his investigatory visit to BW early on? Did not the mayor share info with Alice Sweeney and Tim Dooliing during their recent visit? How can so many know so little about so much?

Seems the city is counting on the cumulative intimidating pressure of silence to cow the workers who have alleged harassment into accepting Monterosso’s return.

It’s on me. I wanted black on black. I liked the way TES faded into the background, symbolizing his irrelevancy. Also, I decided black would be the perfect color scheme for the segment, indicating the funeral of the city over which TES, as the killer, is presiding.